Project description:Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis is a commonly performed procedure; however, there is a paucity of literature regarding concomitant biceps tenodesis and double-row rotator cuff repair. In this Technical Note, we describe an all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis using the stay sutures from the anterolateral anchor in the setting of a double-row rotator cuff repair. The anterolateral anchor is placed adjacent to the bicipital groove to accommodate the tenodesis. Two sutures loaded into the anterolateral anchor are passed through the long head of the biceps tendon in a cinch configuration without the need to externalize the tendon. The sutures are tied arthroscopically, thereby securing the tendon to the anterolateral row anchor and completing the tenodesis.
Project description:Surgical repair of massive and chronic rotator cuff tears is difficult due to tendon retraction and severe atrophy, and the resultant retear rate in the structurally weak tendons is high. Commercially available patches and bioinductive scaffolds have been used to provide strength and superior healing environment in partial and complete rotator cuff tears. Biological biceps autograft has been used for superior capsular reconstruction, and the subacromial bursa has been shown to have significant pluripotent stem cell potency for tendon healing. We describe our technique for combined use of the long biceps tendon (LBT) and vasculature-preserved subacromial bursa as autografts in rotator cuff repair augmentation. The technique involves obtaining a LBT graft of sufficient length using a "traction and tenodesis" technique. The subacromial bursa is mobilized as a continuous layer (vascular bursal duvet) by maintaining its medial and lateral vascularity. All-suture anchors are used to minimize the insertion apertures (3 mm) in tuberosity. The bursa is advanced laterally, and the mobilized cuff is repaired together as a biceps-cuff-bursa composite unit. Combined use of the biceps and bursa as biological autografts has the advantage of structural and regenerative augmentation, and the autografts are easily accessible without added cost.
Project description:Treatment of concomitant long head of the biceps pathology in the setting of rotator cuff repair is often required. When a tenodesis of the biceps is used, additional anchors and surgical dissection are typically required. This adds additional surgical time, morbidity of additional surgical dissection, and additional anchor load and cost. We describe a novel technique for arthroscopic biceps tenodesis that uses the anterior lateral row anchor of a double-row rotator cuff repair to simultaneously secure the biceps tenodesis and rotator cuff tear. This technique provides a simple, reproducible, cost-effective means of performing a simultaneous biceps tenodesis and double-row rotator cuff repair.
Project description:Incomplete healing and/or functional failure following rotator cuff tear repair remains a challenging problem for both patients and surgeons. Augmentation strategies are growing to increase healing through biologic and mechanical mechanisms to improve functional results after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The majority of currently described augmentation techniques use allograft tissue. An alternative, low-cost, autograft option for augmentation is the use of the long head of biceps tendon autograft as a free functional graft. Here, we describe the use of autograft biceps tendon as a viable option for augmentation of double-row rotator cuff repair with knotless all-suture suture anchors. Technique Video Video 1 Arthroscopic repair of a right shoulder rotator cuff repair, subpectoral open biceps tenodesis, and autograft biceps graft augmentation is performed in a beach-chair position. We begin with a diagnostic arthroscopy viewing the subacromial space through the posterolateral portal. The rotator cuff tear is evaluated using a grasper through the lateral portal. The rotator cuff is repaired using a knotless configuration double row transosseous-equivalent beginning with all-suture anchors being placed, creating a medial row. These sutures are then passed through the rotator cuff tear and brought to a lateral row where the final construct is visualized. Next, we perform a mini-open subpectoral biceps tenodesis using a low axillary incision. The proximal biceps tendon is harvested and placed on the back table to be measured for autograft augmentation. The biceps autograft is placed in a compression plate and loaded into the press, where it is “smashed.” Sutures are put into all 4 corners of the graft and loaded onto the delivery device. The patch is inserted into the shoulder through a cannulated lateral portal into the subacromial space and deployed over the rotator cuff repair. The patch is fixated medially using a PLGA tissue tack device and laterally with two anchors. The final repair construct is demonstrated by the autograft patch augmentation lying flush over the rotator cuff repair.
Project description:Rotator cuff repair depends on both the fixation strength of the chosen repair construct and the local healing response of the repaired tissue. Among a growing discussion surrounding the superiority of one surgical technique over another, the surgeon's ability to complete a rotator cuff repair with technical acuity in a timely manner remains paramount. Double-row repairs as well as rip-stop configurations have been proposed to limit failures found after arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. Implementation of both techniques during arthroscopic shoulder surgery may represent a technical challenge for the average orthopaedist. The purpose of this article is to give simple instructions for reproduction of an arthroscopic double-row rip-stop repair for rotator cuff fixation.
Project description:Contemporary arthroscopic double-row suture anchor rotator cuff repairs have superior biomechanics compared with prior iterations. Numerous techniques have been described, but consensus regarding value has yet to be established. We describe an effective and easily reproducible technique: the arthroscopic "Montgolfier double-row" repair technique. This knotless construct has an evenly distributed, load-sharing, radially oriented suture limb configuration much like the envelope cables of a Montgolfier hot-air balloon, its namesake. Other advantages include the ability to apply manual, progressive and calculated tension on each suture limb and easy intraoperative modification depending on tear size, shape, and delamination, as well as tissue tension and quality. Future studies are needed to validate the biomechanics and clinical outcomes of this technique.
Project description:Following a failed course of conservative management, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) has become the gold standard treatment for patients presenting with symptomatic rotator cuff (RC) tears. Traditionally, the single-row repair technique was used. Although most patients enjoy good to excellent clinical outcomes, structural healing to bone remains problematic. As a result, orthopaedic surgeons have sought to improve outcomes with various technological and technical advancements. One such possible advancement is the double-row technique. We present a method for repairing an RC tear using double-row suture anchors in a transosseous equivalent suture bridge technique. The double-row technique is believed to more effectively re-create the anatomic footprint of the tendon, as well as increase tendon to bone surface area, and apposition for healing. However, it requires longer operating times and is costlier. This report highlights this technique for ARCR in an adult by using a double-row transosseous equivalent suture bridge.
Project description:The proportion of postoperative retears after arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction remains constant despite advancement of suture techniques and improved anchor implants. The commonly degenerative nature of rotator cuff tears can carry the risk of compromised tissue. Several techniques have been developed to biologically enhance rotator cuff repair, and a considerable number of autologous, allogeneic, and xenogenous augmentation methods have been described. This article introduces the biceps smash technique, an arthroscopic augmentation procedure for posterosuperior rotator cuff reconstruction using an autograft patch of the long head of the biceps tendon.
Project description:The management of massive rotator cuff tears remains a challenge for physicians, with failure rates being higher when compared with smaller tears. Many surgical treatment options exist including debridement with biceps tenodesis, complete repair, partial repair, repair with augmentation devices, superior capsule reconstruction, tendon transfer, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this article is to describe our preferred surgical technique for a complete arthroscopic repair using an extended linked, knotless, double-row construct.